Book written in French - Ensô, The circles of awakening in Zen art

Book - Ensô, The circles of awakening in Zen art

Collection : Le Prunier
Number of pages: 192 pages
Format: 17.2 cm × 20.0 cm × 1.4 cm
Publication date : 18/11/2016
Language : French
ISBN : 978-2-35432-302-8

The term "Ensô" means "circle" in Japanese, and it refers to the most common and profound subject of Zen-inspired painting. Present in all cultures, the circle touches the deepest part of ourselves and symbolizes the ultimate wholeness of our being and the universe. In the Zen tradition, it is an expression of awakening, ainsity, emptiness, wholeness, and it is believed that the character of an artist is fully expressed in the way he or she writes an ensô.
The ensos are accompanied by a short poem that deepens their spiritual content. In this way, enso paintings visually and poetically convey the nature of reality. Audrey Yoshiko SEO has assembled here a collection of the best examples of enso art, from the 17th century to the present. Each painting is accompanied by a commentary that translates the poem and presents the stylistic aspects and spiritual context of the work.
The book contains an introduction to the tradition of enlightenment circles in Buddhism from India, China and Japan, as well as biographies of the artists, most of whom are Zen Moors. This high-quality book is the first in French to deal with this important artistic and spiritual tradition. It will delight all those interested in painting, Asian art, Japan, Zen and Buddhism.